DURIC BACK IN TRAINING FOR LIONS

The islanders could not have gotten off to a worst start to their hopes of playing in the AFC Asian Cup 2011 in Qatar when they were overwhelmed 6-0 by Iran in Teheran in their opening group match.

And the return of Duric after a six-week rest due to injuries was certainly good news as the Lions prepare to face Jordan at the National Stadium in Kallang on 28 Jan 2009.

“I am happy to be back training and kicking the ball after being on the sideline for so long,” said the 38-year-old Duric.

“But I’m taking it a little easy at this time as I don’t want to hurry things along when I’m not ready. I don’t want to take unnecessary risks which could in the end see a recurrent of the injury.”

Duric (pic) has been the S-League’s top scorer for the past two seasons and where certainly Singapore head coach Radojko Avramovic could do with his experience when they face the side from the Middle East next week.

“It is still not certain if I will be ready in time for the match against Jordan but I’m pacing myself and I want to make sure that I come back to the national team when I’m good and ready,” added Duric, who was also voted as the S-League’s best player for the past two years.